It's not like this is now-or-never for theAtlanta Braves. But as the season nears the halfway point, this coming week should shed a little more light on exactly what they are. The Braves finally showed a semblance of consistency recently, winning three straight series for just the second time all season, even sweeping their National League East rivalNew York Mets. Yet in following that prosperity by dropping a pair of games at the last-placeMiami Marlins, the Braves remain unpredictable - and, at 35-40, firmly below .500. They are mired at 23rd in USA TODAY Sports' power rankings, a position hardly befitting a club bidding for its eighth consecutive playoff berth. Well, they'll have a chance to change a lot of that this week: They're headed toCiti Fieldfor four more games against the Mets, followed by three games at Philadelphia'sCitizens Bank Park, where the Phillies are suddenly winning again and soon to welcome back Bryce Harper. But Atlanta will have to make do without reigning Cy Young Award winnerChris Sale, who suffered a fractured rib cage during a win against the Mets and is out indefinitely. A look at our updated rankings: Gleyber Torres' OPS up to .804 as thirdAll-Star nod comes into view. Five straight wins over Giants, Padres reasserts NL West alpha status. The wind's blowing out at Wrigley - and unfortunately their pitchers gave up 33 runs to Mariners. Mildly stunning:Francisco Alvarezshipped to minors with 27.5% K rate. 12-3 in Cristopher Sanchez's starts. Starting pitchers have major league-best 3.02 ERA since April 22. Jake Meyers having a career year - .310/.369/.407 - at the plate. Rafael Devers hits first Giants homer off his good buddy Brayan Bello. Junior Caminero on pace for a 40-ish home run season. Have won 18 of last 25 - and now home for six with Pirates, Rockies. The season doesn't end today but if it did, they wouldn't make the playoffs. Max Scherzer returns after three-month absence. Can his right thumb hold up? Nice week for Nolan Arenado: Hits 350th career homer and a game-tying shot in ninth. About time to break out the "Chasing Judge" graphic forCal Raleigh. Chase Burnsstarts Tuesday against Yanks, 11 months after he was No. 2 overall pick. Uh-oh: Elbow strain sends Hunter Dobbins to injured list. José Ramírez drives in 900th career run; should catch Jim Thome soon for No. 2 on franchise list Gabby Moreno fractures his right hand, so veteran James McCann joins the fold. Jacob deGrom on 12-start run with at least five innings and two or fewer runs - not bad for a 37-year-old. Streakiest team in the game? Have lost 13 of 16 to tumble deep in the AL pack. Jac Caglianone hits his first two career home runs - and then the big fellarobs one. Christian Moore hits first career homer in first game at Angel Stadium. With Chris Sale out, it's gonna beSpencers For Hireto buoy the rotation. This is just kinda who they are this year. That bullpen, though. Seriously. Sandy Alcantara might be back on the beam. Jack Perkins summoned to Yolo County for major league debut, tosses three scoreless relief innings. Bryan Reynolds'exit velocitya career-best 91.3 mph - but average is only .226. If theIshbia familycanunload Kevin Durant, maybe they'll save the White Sox someday, too. Mickey Moniak has eight homers in last 18 games as clubshows some life. The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:MLB power rankings: Braves facing NL East standings vs. Mets, Phillies